Infidelity and marriage can shake the foundation of even the strongest bonds. Gayle King’s ex-husband, William Bumpus, is issuing a public apology after the longtime journalist recently revisited the painful moment she discovered he cheated during their marriage nearly four decades ago.
Bumpus spoke out following Gayle’s viral appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she detailed the shocking incident that ultimately ended their relationship. In a moment of infidelity and marriage reckoning, he directly apologized to Gayle and their family, saying: “My deepest apologies to Gayle, to our daughter Kirby and her husband, Virgil, to our son William and his wife, Elise, and to our three grandchildren, for the pain I caused decades ago.”
He acknowledged responsibility for the affair and noted that he had previously addressed the issue publicly in 2016. Bumpus also emphasized that Gayle has the right to share her story, adding that he respects her decision to speak openly about the experience that “changed the trajectory of our marriage and our family.”
Reflecting on their co-parenting relationship, Bumpus credited Gayle for supporting him through law school and praised her success in broadcasting. He also noted that despite their painful past, the two remain in a “good place” and continue to maintain a respectful relationship for the sake of their family.
Gayle previously recounted the moment on the podcast, explaining that she returned home unexpectedly and discovered the betrayal firsthand—a situation she says deeply impacted her life and marriage. She also shared that she leaned on close friend Oprah Winfrey during that time for support.
Gayle and Bumpus finalized their divorce in 1993 after 11 years of marriage but have continued co-parenting their two children and maintaining a family connection over the years.
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